On Monday, March 10, VINSE welcomed 11 students from Robertson County’s homeschool group, Life is a Field Trip, organized by Susan Halsam, for our Cleanroom Solar Cell Lab. Inside the VINSE cleanroom, home of the cleanest air in Middle Tennessee, students explored solar energy through hands-on activities.
During the lab, students built a complete silicon/polymer hybrid solar cell, measured the electricity it generated under light, and patterned metal electrodes using light-based stenciling, similar to real solar
cell manufacturing. They also experimented with ways to increase electricity collection, used their solar cells to power a lightbulb, and discussed how their findings could contribute to more efficient solar technology.
A special thanks to our NanoGuides—Elizabeth Hays, Trey Long and Jeb Buchner—who guided students through the activities and provided deeper insights.
If your school is interested in this opportunity, please contact vinse@vanderbilt.edu for more information.